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Label:Of all the deities in Mahayana Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is one of the most celebrated. While endowed with complete enlightenment, Avalokiteshvara refrains from entering the blissful state of nirvana to remain on earth and save its creatures. The deity can be distinguished by the small image of Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western Paradise, in his crown. Amitabha (which means infinite light) is the highest Buddha and the spiritual father of Avalokiteshvara.